One of the leading voices in classical music broadcasting has joined the University of Oregon’s classical music station.

Peter van de Graaff, the new music director at KWAX-FM, is now on the air in Eugene after arriving from Chicago’s WFMT, where he has spent the last 28 years. In addition to hosting a daily show for that station, van de Graaff hosted live broadcasts by the Chicago Symphony and Chicago Lyric Opera. He was also host and program director of the Beethoven Network, a syndicated service broadcast on 150 radio stations nationwide.

Oh, and as a young broadcaster at WFMT, the guy in the office next door was Studs Terkel—the internationally known interviewer who is perhaps best known for several compilations of oral histories, including “Working” and “The Good War.”

“It was such an amazing opportunity to learn, and also a bit intimidating to be working alongside people of that caliber,” van de Graaff said. “One of the things that I learned early on at WFMT was that rather than announce at people on the radio, I needed just to talk to them. It’s all about having respect for the audience, and I have carried that with me throughout my career.”

Van de Graaff, whose resonant baritone and conversational manner have made him a favorite of classical music fans across the United States, takes pride in an eclectic and constantly evolving playlist. He said KWAX’s impressive musical library was one of the things that attracted him to the station.

But perhaps the biggest draw was the station’s audience.

“My Beethoven Network show has aired on KWAX for many years, and I hear from KWAX listeners a lot. It is clear to me that they know their music and really appreciate it. That is one of the big things that drew me here.”

Now that he is part of KWAX, van de Graaff’s nationally syndicated show is originating from Eugene, with his daily morning broadcast recorded and then heard across the country. He also is helping prepare for the eventual move to new studio space on Chad Drive.

“KWAX is a wonderful asset and public service from the University of Oregon,” said Kyle Henley, vice president for communications at the UO. “I'm confident that Peter will help KWAX deepen its connections with the music and arts community in Eugene and beyond, including the Oregon Bach Festival, UO School of Music and Dance and more. Over the coming years, we'll work to foster partnerships that expand the impact and reach of KWAX in support of its long-standing classical music mission.” 

Van de Graaff was impressed by the many cultural offerings in Eugene. Between the Oregon Bach Festival, various concert series, the Eugene Opera, Eugene Symphony, live theater and dance, and visual art offerings, the city maintains a remarkable cultural life. Van de Graaff noted that during his job interview, he attended a concert by the Eugene Symphony.

“The symphony is of wonderful quality and the music they were playing was challenging stuff,” van de Graaff recalled. “I was struck that the house was full and the audience seemed very engaged. I took those as very good signs.”

Van de Graaff earned a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Brigham Young University and began his broadcasting career at KBYU, the university’s classical music station. He is also a professional bass-baritone singer and has appeared with orchestras and opera companies worldwide. His wife, Kathleen, a soprano, is also a professional singer. They relocated to Eugene at the end of February.

—By Jonathan Graham, University Communications